Facilities - Activities

Presentation InformationDuring the summer months, presentations by Park Interpreters are generally available daily and times may vary. Please contact the park at 707-847-3286 for times. During the school year (Sept.-June) presentations are available most weekends and during the week by request only. Please contact the park directly. These presentations are free to the visiting public. School and tour group reservations are given out on a first-come first-served basis, so call as early as you can to insure maximum choice of dates.

Special school and tour group reservations are given out on a first-come first-served basis, so call as early as you can to insure maximum choice of dates.

Presentations are usually fairly general in scope: why the Company came, what they did, and why they left the area. Within that framework, we are happy to focus on any aspects of the history of the site that your group may be interested in. Presentations generally last approximately one hour.

Fort Ross Visitor Center and MuseumThis is one of the most complete Russian, Alaskan, and Kashaya cultural museums north of San Francisco. The museum gives a good overview of the history of the site and its inhabitants. Many items of interest for history enthusiasts, teachers, students and tourists are to be found in the Visitor Center bookstore.

Fort Ross LibraryThe library has the largest selection of research and reading material for Russian History and local history north of San Francisco. You must be a current member of the Fort Ross Conservancy to use the library.

Sandy Cove and North CoveThese are two access areas to the beach and tide pools. Sandy Cove is a large sandy beach with plenty of space to roam. Some tidepooling is available. The North Cove is very rocky and can, at the right time, provide tide pooling. Please be safe and cautious near the ocean.

Historic OrchardThe Fort Ross historic orchard is across the highway on Fort Ross Road about 1/4 mile east of Highway One. Several fruit trees are from the Russian period. Many 'daughter' trees have now been established. The types of trees you will find are gravenstein apple, plums, pear, and red Baldwin apple. Other types of trees the Russians grew were quince, prune, olive, peach, and bitter cherries. Osprey and other raptors are often seen in the orchard, as well as other wildlife. If you wish to visit the orchard you must do so with park assistance.